Managing Your Asthma

For sufferers of asthma, the main priority is to keep your asthma under control. Although asthma cannot be cured, most people with asthma can control it in order to help prevent any symptoms to emerge and experience fewer asthmatic attacks in the future.

Signs that your asthma is not under control

1. Wheeziness/coughing

2. Having a tight chest

3. Finding it hard to keep up with your normal routine of exercise

4. Using your blue reliever inhaler more than 2-4 times a week

5. Tiredness

How to control your asthma

You can take control of your asthma by knowing what medicines or treatments to take and when to take them. It is also important to avoid things that trigger your asthma. There are a number of triggers that you should avoid in order to prevent an attack. They are:

Colds and the flu

Weather changes

Emotional factors such as stress or laughter

Smoke/cigarette smoke

Weather changes such as cold air, windy days, poor air quality and hot, humid days

Paint fumes

Pollution

Perfume

Allergens such as pollen, house dust mites and pets

Physical exercise, though it is still very important that you keep yourself physically fit. You can use medication to help control asthma attacks that may be triggered by physical exercise at bay

Food and drinks that are high in sulphites include concentrated fruit juice, prawns and food that is processed or pre-cooked

Aspirin or aspirin-type medications such as ibuprofen

Take prescribed asthma medication, both oral and inhalant, as recommended by your doctor. Bronchodilators and other drugs prescribed by your doctor relax and smooth bronchial muscle tissue, decrease inflammation and help keep airways open.

Potential Asthma Triggers

It is also essential that you follow your doctor's medical advice, and continue to use the medications prescribed to you. Undergo allergy tests as recommended by your doctor and comply with the follow-up treatments. Avoiding the triggers and controlling your asthma will help you to effectively manage this condition.